Asus ZenFone AR Now Available on Verizon

The Verizon Network Powers the World’s first Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Smartphone

Fremont, California(03 Aug 2017)

Asus today announced the availability of the ZenFone AR - a next-generation smartphone that represents a significant advancement in mobile virtual and augmented reality technologies – on the Verizon Network. The ZenFone AR is the world's first smartphone that supports both Tango AR and Daydream VR technologies developed by Google, giving users totally new ways to engage with and be entertained by their smartphones. In the United States, Verizon is the exclusive carrier of the ZenFone AR; available with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage starting today for $27 a month for 24 months, or for $648. 

A 6GB RAM Smartphone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Mobile Platform

To create the best-in-class VR and AR smartphone, Asus engineered the ZenFone AR with latest, top-of-the-line components. The ZenFone AR is equipped with 6GB of RAM, and includes a Snapdragon 821[1] Mobile Platform; specially optimized for AR operations and unparalleled multi-tasking. ASUS worked closely with Qualcomm Technologies engineers and Google to efficiently distribute computer vision workloads, as well as rapidly process movement and positioning instructions by Tango that is known as six degrees of freedom, or “6DoF” (forward-backward / up-down / left-right / roll / pitch / yaw). 

The desktop-class Qualcomm Adreno 530 graphics processing unit (GPU) delivers supercharged graphics performance, allowing the ZenFone AR to handle the graphics demands of Tango and Daydream with ease. Complementing the rich AR & VR experiences offered by ZenFone AR is a new audio system that supports Hi-Res Audio and DTS virtual surround sound. External audio also gets a boost with the ZenFone AR’s new ultra-loud 5-magnet speaker.

 

 

“It’s great to see Asus leading the charge to bring new and innovative flagship designs to the US,” said Joe Glynn, vice president, business development, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The ZenFone AR, powered by the Snapdragon 821 Mobile Platform, represents the first announced smartphone to provide both AR and VR capabilities and definitely offers unique and differentiated experiences to Verizon customers.”

Engineered for the Latest Tango and AR Experiences

Asus ZenFone AR was developed in close cooperation with Google to deliver the best user experience on both Tango and Daydream platforms. Tango, an augmented reality (AR) platform that uses qualified devices to detect their users' positions relative to places and objects around them without using GPS or other external signals, allows application developers to create AR user experiences that include indoor navigation, 3D mapping, and environmental recognition, among other augmented reality applications. To date, there are already over 35 apps on Google Play[1] that are Tango compatible. ASUS and Google are also partnering with well-known brands to bring the Tango AR experience to customers. 

Today, Wayfair’s AR application, WayfairView has been updated and integrated into its popular Wayfair mobile shopping app on the Asus ZenFone AR. The Wayfair app makes it possible for consumers to see virtual furniture and décor in their homes at full scale before they buy. A featured app on the Asus ZenFone AR, shoppers can easily find and download the Wayfair app from the features apps list within the Tango App, or from the Google Play Store. For a limited time, all customers who purchase a ZenFone AR will receive a $25 Wayfair gift card. To see the Wayfair app in action on the ZenFone AR, visit: https://youtu.be/BrZUEL3LJtU. Customers will receive instructions on how to receive their $25 Wayfair gift card upon purchase. 

Ideal for AR and VR

To qualify as a Tango-enabled smartphone, ZenFone AR features a set of sensors and “computer vision” software that gives it the ability to interpret images, videos, space and motion like humans. Tango adds three new abilities to ZenFone AR: motion tracking, depth perception and area learning. Through these capabilities, ZenFone AR can detect how far it is away from a floor, wall or an object and understand where it is moving in three-dimensional space.

For VR, the large, high resolution and high contrast display of ZenFone AR makes it ideal for VR applications when used as a VR display mounted in the Daydream View headset. The Daydream hardware also comes with a controller that is used for VR games and apps. ZenFone AR’s expansive 5.7-inch size immerses the viewer in whatever VR world is being presented, while the WQHD (1440 x 2560) resolution presents images with extreme clarity and the deep black hues enabled by the high contrast super AMOLED technology enhances the 3D effect of the screen.

High-End Photographic Capabilities

The ZenFone AR is also an accomplished camera smartphone, and contains the ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 camera system that includes the world's highest resolution Sony IMX318 sensor and TriTech Autofocus system. Other key camera features include: 4-axis OIS photo and 3 axis EIS video stabilization, Super Resolution, Low Light, and a variety of optimized presets modes, as well as manual creative controls to provide photographers advanced control of the ZenFone AR's camera to suit any need. Lastly, high resolution 4K video recording allows for ultra-detailed videos.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The 6GB RAM, 128GB storage ZenFone AR is available starting today on the Verizon Network. Order your Asus ZenFone AR today for $27 a month for 24 months on Verizon device payment ($648 retail; 0% APR). For a limited time, get a $25 Wayfair.com gift card with the purchase of the ZenFone AR^*. Visit verizonwireless.com/smartphones/asus-zenfone-ar/ for more information. The phone will also be available at Verizon stores nationwide. Interested parties can visit their nearest Verizon store to take part in a demonstration by trained staff, test out AR, and purchase a ZenFone.

To learn more about the ZenFone AR, including updated where to buy information, visit: http://www.asus.com/us/Phone/ZenFone-AR-V570KL-Verizon-exclusive/.

^*Limited time offer. Device payment purchase and activation of Asus ZenFone AR from Verizon Wireless, participating National Retailers, or a Verizon Wireless Authorized Agent req'd. Certain restrictions apply. Limit one gift card offer per wireless phone number and MEID. Must submit proof of purchase online within 30 days of activation; Wayfair.com gift card will be mailed within 8-10 weeks after receipt of claim.  Terms and conditions of gift cards will vary by merchant; refer to back of gift card.

About ASUS

ASUS is one of Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies, and is dedicated to creating products for today and tomorrow’s smart life. Our comprehensive portfolio includes Zenbo, ZenFone, ZenBook and a range of IT devices and components, along with AR, VR and IoT. ASUS employs more than 17,000 people worldwide and over 5,500 world-class R&D talents. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, the company won 4,385 awards and earned approximately US$13.3 billion of revenue in 2016.

Qualcomm, Snapdragon and Adreno are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.
Qualcomm Snapdragon and Qualcomm Adreno are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

[1] Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 for Tango information: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon/devices/tango

[2] Tango apps on Google play: http://get.google.com/tango/apps/